Trump Convenes "Americas Counter Cartel Coalition" in Miami
The "Shield of the Americas" Summit Aims to Redefine U.S. Foreign Policy
President Donald Trump convened leaders from twelve Latin American nations at his Miami-area golf club to establish the "Americas Counter Cartel Coalition" and address regional security, economic prosperity, and foreign influence. The summit, also referred to as the "Shield of the Americas," aimed to refocus U.S. foreign policy on the Western Hemisphere, emphasizing efforts against drug cartels and countering Chinese economic and political interests in the region. Discussions also included U.S. policy regarding Cuba and Venezuela.
The summit, also referred to as the "Shield of the Americas," aimed to refocus U.S. foreign policy on the Western Hemisphere.
Summit Overview and Key Participants
The summit took place on a Saturday at Trump National Doral Miami. Participating leaders represented Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Noteworthy Absences
Notably absent from the gathering were the leaders of Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. President Trump acknowledged Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum, who was not present.
Kristi Noem, appointed as the U.S. special envoy for the "Shield of the Americas" after stepping down as Department of Homeland Security secretary, stated the coalition's objective is to ensure mutual defense of sovereignty, security, and economic prosperity, presenting it as an example of international cooperation.
Kristi Noem stated the coalition's objective is to ensure mutual defense of sovereignty, security, and economic prosperity, presenting it as an example of international cooperation.
Refocused Counter-Cartel Efforts
A primary outcome of the summit was the signing of a proclamation by President Trump to launch the "Americas Counter Cartel Coalition," described as a new military partnership. President Trump articulated the need for a coalition to eradicate cartels, drawing a comparison to efforts against ISIS, and identified Mexico as an "epicenter" of cartel violence. He offered U.S. military assistance for this objective, including the potential use of missile strikes against individuals associated with drug cartels if deemed necessary.
President Trump articulated the need for a coalition to eradicate cartels, drawing a comparison to efforts against ISIS.
"Global War on Terror" Approach Applied
White House security adviser Stephen Miller stated that Latin America would remain a top military priority for the United States, advocating for the use of "hard power, military power, lethal force" against drug cartels, which he likened to groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIL.
Since the Trump administration took office, it has applied a "global war on terror" approach to Latin America, including labeling drug cartels as "foreign terrorist organizations."
Military Actions and Deterrence
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted a shift in U.S. focus toward its own borders and the Western Hemisphere.
He indicated the U.S. is prepared to engage Latin American cartels "on the offense alone, if necessary," while preferring cooperation with regional partners.
Hegseth detailed at least 44 aerial strikes on vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean since September, resulting in an estimated 150 known deaths, presented as a method to "establish deterrence." These military actions follow an operation in early January targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and a raid less than two weeks prior to the summit in Jalisco, Mexico, which resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG). Joint operations with Ecuador's military against "Designated Terrorist Organizations" were also launched in the week of the summit.
Confronting Foreign Influence: The 'Donroe Doctrine'
Another significant objective of the summit was to counter Chinese economic and political interests in the region. The administration's approach is underpinned by a U.S. policy referred to as the 'Donroe doctrine' or the "Trump Corollary" to the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine. This framework emphasizes regional cooperation and aims to deny "non-Hemispheric competitors the ability to position forces or other threatening capabilities, or to own or control strategically vital assets, in our Hemisphere." President Trump stated that hostile foreign influence would not be allowed to gain a foothold in the hemisphere, specifically mentioning the Panama Canal.
The administration's approach is underpinned by a U.S. policy referred to as the 'Donroe doctrine' or the "Trump Corollary" to the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine.
China's Growing Presence in Latin America
Experts note that regional leaders often find China's trade-focused diplomacy beneficial, filling financial gaps. China has significantly expanded its commercial, financial, and infrastructure ties in Latin America over several decades, becoming a primary trading partner for numerous regional economies.
Discussions on Cuba and Venezuela
President Trump also addressed U.S. policy regarding Cuba and Venezuela.
Cuba: Anticipating Collapse
President Trump stated his intention to "take care of Cuba" following requests from several attending Latin American leaders.
He reiterated his prediction of Cuba's imminent collapse due to economic factors. The Trump administration had previously eased a blockade on Venezuelan oil, facilitating some private sector oil sales to Cuba, which had been experiencing fuel shortages.
Venezuela: Economic Improvements Noted
Regarding Venezuela, President Trump commended Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's interim president, for her collaboration with the U.S. since the arrest of former President Nicolás Maduro in January. He indicated that U.S. assistance had contributed to an improved economic situation in Venezuela, citing American oil exports and anticipated gold and mineral trades.
International Reactions
China's Critical AI-Generated Video
Days after the summit, China's embassy in the United States released an AI-generated video critical of the "Shield of the Americas" Summit.
The video, titled "Shield of the Americas, or shackles of the Americas?" depicted a bald eagle, representing the U.S., trapping doves, symbolizing Latin American countries, under a transforming shield that became a cage.
This release came as China's commercial and strategic interests in Latin America continue to expand, with Chinese exports to the region increasing by 9.3% in the eleven months leading up to the summit compared to the previous year.